It’s been quite a few busy weeks for the upcoming Disney+ series Ironheart. Not only did we get quite a few set photos teasing key characters and additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but there were also been a few casting announcements while the series’ was busy filming. Dominique Thorne is also set to make her MCU debut next week with the release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which has recently been confirmed to set up her story in the upcoming spinoff Disney+ series.
Yet, a new Instagram story by Jalen Marlowe, who works as a still photographer for the Disney+ production, has shared that they seemingly wrapped work on the production. So, it seems that they are slowly winding down the filming of the series. The series. was teased to release later next year, and there’s enough time for reshoots as well as the post-production process if they are currently wrapping up production. It would also match with first wrap gifts being revealed a few days ago.
Ironheart looks to be one of the MCU’s most promising new series. Not only is Ryan Coogler actively producing, but it also will merge two very distinct worlds as Riri Williams has to use her technology against more magical-based characters. So, we’re not getting the tech-on-tech action we may have initially expected but are exploring that very melding of two worlds that Thor talked about all the way back in the first film when he compared science to magic.
Well, it looks like that didn’t take long to follow-up on the initial report from Illuminerdi, as Aubrey Plaza has just been confirmed to have joined the upcoming production of Agatha: Coven of Chaos. The WandaVision spinoff will further explore the character played by Kathryn Hahn and while plot details still remain tightly under wraps, it seems that Plaza will be playing a villain. Though who exactly still remains a mystery and it’s unclear if this might be a one-time role specifically for this project or maybe becomes a bigger player in the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Coven of Chaos is definitely going to be a curious project among the various series from Marvel Studios. Not only is it focused on a just recently introduced character, but it’s the first time they’ve started a project focused primarily on a fan-favorite character. Perhaps at some point, the project was originally going to be quite a bit different before they realized the potential of now only featuring more Kathryn Hahn in the MCU but also giving the magical corner a bit more attention.
Plus, the “coven” aspect does seem like a promising hint at what we can expect and who knows if the series might even add a bit to the original WandaVision. We’ve learned that Dottie actress Emma Caulfield was set to return, who was theorized to potentially be another witch. We got a glimpse at Agatha Harkness’ backstory and who knows if she had a contingency set in case her plans didn’t work out as planned.
Here’s a big surprise but shortly after the casting announcement has dropped that Joe Locke has joined the upcoming WandaVision spinoff Agatha: Coven of Chaos, it seems we may have news on another major addition. Illuminerdi has shared that Aubrey Plaza has seemingly joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a mystery role for the upcoming Disney+ series.
While no details are shared on what role she has, she is seemingly going to be part of “a group of supporting female characters,” which likely hints at her being part of the coven mentioned in the title. The Parks and Recreation star has been a long-time favorite to get cast in a role and it would be a shame if this is just a one-and-done for the actress.
Still, Agatha is slowly turning into a very interesting project. Ever since the “early days” of Marvel Studios’ Disney+ venture, we’ve been seeing them evolve and adapt with each new series. Most of the ones released so far, including Secret Invasion, were produced around similar times and future projects might look a bit different as they start learning from those experiences.
The fact that Agatha and a potential Vision Quest project are in developmental as spinoffs from WandaVision, opens up the question of what they might help build up towards. The Multiverse Saga is still going but there’s no direct bridge with the overarching narrative besides Wanda’s ability to warp reality at her will. Perhaps they are laying the groundwork for her return to the MCU.
If there was one thing She-Hulk: Attorney at Law had plenty of, it was low-tier foes for the titular hero to face. Almost weekly, fans were introduced to new, second-rate baddies from the Marvel universe, whether they be in the courtroom or making ill-advised decisions in the streets. In fact, there were so many ridiculous characters, it almost seemed like nothing the writers pitched ever hit the cutting room floor. Unfortunately, that is not true. It would seem that at least one minor villain actually failed to make the grade, and was removed from the show prior to filming.
Concept artist Wesley Burt, who did a lot of the early design work on the series, took to Instagram to reveal a classic Daredevil villain was, at one point, supposed to make an appearance in She-Hulk. Carl Burbank, better known as Bushwacker, is a mercenary and longtime enemy of the Man Without Fear. Formerly a priest, he abandoned his vows after a string of deaths in his parish, and instead became a paid killer for the CIA. He was outfitted with weaponized, cybernetic arms, which he eventually used to get jobs from bigger baddies like Kingpin and The Hood.
Burt claims that Bushwacker would have appeared in an early episode of She-Hulk, though it’s unclear where he would have fit in. Based in the show’s track record, it’s likely the character would have had a small, comedic role. Burt essentially confirms this when he says the mercenary would have struggled to change out and load his “robohands” during his time on screen. Either way, it would have been cool to see such a deep-cut Marvel villain in live-action. Perhaps Marvel Studios will find somewhere else to use Bushwacker soon.
In the photo, a sign for a bookstore reads, “Stanton’s Sweets, Reads, & More.” In the comics, Zelma initially joined the sorcery world as Doctor Strange’s librarian, so the fact that the character is linked to a bookstore signals that the character may be introduced in her early stages as the Sorcerer Supreme’s ally.
Zelma is a relatively new character to the comics anyway, first appearing in 2015 in Jason Aaron’s Doctor Strange run. After being helped by the sorcerer, Zelma becomes the librarian for the Sanctum Santorum. After several adventures in this capacity, she decides to practice magic as Strange’s apprentice. The series already features The Hood as the main antagonist, and Sacha Baron Cohen is heavily rumored to play Mephisto in the series, so having another magic-related character in Ironheart further fuels the technology versus magic theme or plot for the series.
Check out the set photo below:
It seems like Zelma Stanton will run her own book store in the MCU, from this new set photo for #Ironheart!
This seemingly confirms the rumors of Regan Aliyah playing Zelma in the series. In the comics, she is a magic user who serves as #DoctorStrange’s apprentice/librarian. pic.twitter.com/0IOZHgVYiF
Welcome to the first edition of the Murphy’s Multiverse Sunday Paper, where the biggest news of the past week is brought to you all in one place. Sit back, relax, and catch up before you have to deal with whatever the upcoming week has to offer. This past week had some pretty big news across the board, so let’s break it down by subject.
Marvel Studios
The Marvel Cinematic Universe had an active news week with multiple trailer drops and marketing for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in full swing. First, plenty of new footage and promos for Wakanda Forever have been released (check some out here and here), and critic reactions came out after press premieres this week (check out MM’s Hunter Radesi’s reaction here.) While the film does not hit theaters for another couple of weeks, you can listen to Rihanna’s first song in six years made for the film.
Marvel Studios
The first teaser trailer for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania also dropped this week, and William Jackson Harper has joined the cast. (Read more here). Marvel also released the film’s official synopsis:
“In the film, which officially kicks off phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Super-Hero partners Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp. Together, with Hope’s parents Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought was possible. Jonathan Majors joins the adventure as Kang. Director Peyton Reed returns to direct the film; Kevin Feige and Stephen Broussard produce.”
Marvel Studios
That didn’t stop Marvel Studios from releasing a trailer for the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, set to hit Disney+ on November 25, 2022. It looks like Kevin Bacon will appear as himself, Cosmo the Space Dog will make her first appearance since the original Guardians of the Galaxy, and Michael Rooker will even likely make an appearance of some sort.
Marvel Studios
It was also confirmed this week that Marvel Studios is developing a WandaVision spinoff titled Vision Quest, in which we will follow Vision on his path to regaining his memories and humanity, and it’s possible the Scarlet Witch makes an appearance. (Read more here.) Speaking of WandaVision spinoffs, Agatha: Coven of Chaos has a bit of news of its own. WandaVision staff writer Megan McDonnell is among the team of writers working on the upcoming Disney+ streaming series Agatha: Coven of Chaos, (read more here) and a recent rumor suggests that the series may be adapting the Scarlet Witch-related Children’s Crusade comic book arc. (Read more here.)
We’ve also gotten a better look at Ironheart this week as set photos offer a look at Anthony Ramos’ villain the Hood (see it here), and a wrap gift teases Ironheart’s new armor’s faceplate (see it here). After not appearing in the Thunderboltspromotion at D23, Baron Zemo actor Daniel Brühl teased the return of his character (read more here), and Charlize Theron also teased Clea’s return to the MCU. (Read more here). Speaking of teases, Hugh Jackman discussed his return as Wolverine and a likely title change for Deadpool 3. (Read more here.)
Lastly, there are a few more rumors making the rounds. Blade may have found its new director in Elegance Bratton, a relatively new director. (Read more here.) Believe it or not (it is a rumor after all), Dr. Doom may not be the main villain of the upcoming Fantastic Four film (read it here), and an official Disney site listed Emilia Clarke’s character in Secret Invasion as Abigail Brand, though the Skrull possibilities are endless. (Read more here.)
Star Wars
If a new rumor proves true, Ezra Bridger, the beloved protagonist of Disney XD’s animated Star Wars: Rebels, may receive a solo live-action series after the character’s appearance in the upcoming Disney+ series Ashoka. It is unclear clear if the rumored solo series, led by actor Eman Esfandi will be a direct sequel to Rebels or not. (Read more here.)
Oscar Award-winning director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, who recently directed a couple of episodes of Ms. Marvel, has been chosen to direct what’s being described as a “secret” Star Wars film based on a script from Damon Lindelof and an as yet unnamed co-writer. Though the film is still in the early stages of development, the report indicates that it has gained steam at Lucasfilm and is among its top priorities on its theatrical slate (Read more here.) The Star Wars film is also apparently set to take place after the events of 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and could possibly bring back some of the sequel trilogy’s characters. (Read more here.)
Last but not least, a teaser trailer for Tales of the Jedi dropped. (Watch it here.)
DC
While Black Adam flew through its first full week in theaters with strong box office numbers, DC has a much bigger week in the news than anyone would have predicted. Of course, the Superman cameo in the film was turning heads before it was even released. However, Henry Cavill himself on Monday took to social media to confirm his return as Superman. He posted a video for his fans along with the caption, “A very small taste of what’s to come, my friends. The dawn of hope renewed. Thank you for your patience, it will be rewarded. #Superman.” (Read more and check out his full Instagram post here).
In fact, this week seemed to signal a new era for DC Entertainment on an even bigger scale, as it looks like Warner Bros. has finally found its Kevin Feige(s). In a surprising announcement, James Gunn and Peter Safran have been tapped to lead the DC’s future film, TV, and animation slates. They will act as co-chairs and co-CEOs of DC Studios, which was recently led by Walter Hamada under the title of DC Films. (Read more here.)
DC also left bits and pieces of news floating around throughout the week, though perhaps less exciting than the big hitters above. Joker: Folie à Deux, the sequel to 2019’s Joker, is reportedly set to start production soon. According to cinematographer Lawrence Sher, the film will begin filming “in five- or six-weeks’ time.” Additionally, the film will “largely be shot in sound stages in Los Angeles, as well as on location in New York, where the project is set.” (Read more here.) On the other hand, The Batman 2 won’t be headed to theaters until 2025 at the earliest. (Read more here.) However, it looks like the film will not be associated with the new DC Studios, and it is unclear if The Batman franchise will be either. (Read more here.) In other words, DC’s universe will still remain, to some extent, in its oddly organized, splintered form we all know and love.
Speaking of the Wild West of DC, there is more. The Batman universe untitled Arkham Asylum spin-off series is finally moving forward. Variety has shared that the creator of The Staircase, Antonio Campos, has joined the production as its showrunner. (Read more here.) Set photos from the filming of The Flash’s ninth and final season have seemingly confirmed that actress Javicia Leslie—who previously played an original character on Batwoman–will return to The CW as the multiversal villain Red Death, (read more here), and actor Elijah Rashad is set to join Doom Patrol’s fourth season. (Read more here.)
HBO Max is looking to redevelop its previously announced Green Lantern series. The show, which hailed from producer Greg Berlanti and writer Seth Grahame-Smith, was originally set to star Finn Wittrock (Ratched) and Jeremy Irvine (War Horse) as the respective Green Lanterns. Reportedly, the new series will instead turn the focus over to John Stewart, one of DC’s first black superheroes. (Read more here.)
In Other News
Some other news worth noting—Henry Cavill is departing The Witcher, with Liam Hemsworth to take on the role. (Read more here.) Andy Serkis apparently will not be back to direct Venom 3 and writer Kelly Marcel will helm the film instead. (Read more here.) Avatar: The Way of the Water might have a whopping 3 hours and 10 minutes run time, and House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condol discussed the season finale and about the direction the series will take in the future. (Read more here.)
We have gotten quite a few set photos from Ironheart throughout its production. that teases a different kind of series than what some might expect from a tech-based hero. While there are still quite a few details we don’t know about, the story direction seems to be mixing magic into Riri William’s everyday struggle as a heroine.
The latest set photos that have hit the web don’t show off much from the comics, but tease the friendship between Lyric Ross‘s Natalie Washington with Dominique Thorne‘s leading character. It seems that both are wearing jumpsuits of some kind, which could be hinting at both of them working on a project together potentially. It’s still unclear if this series will act as a direct follow-up to her appearance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
What makes these set photos so interesting is if we take a look at the character of Natalie Washington in the comics. She was Riri Williams’ best friend that tragically passes away early in her life. She would live on however as the AI in Riri’s Ironheart suit. Of course, there’s no word if the Disney+ series will follow the same direction as the comics, but there’s a possibility that they could explore a similar concept.
Her inclusion in the series opened many questions if we are seeing a flashback of some kind, or if the AI element isn’t something they will explore for Ironheart, as they would try to avoid too many similarities with Tony Stark. Of course, there’s always a chance that she is featured in flashbacks throughout the series and her loss could be what ties Riri to the Wakanda Forever theme of grief and loss.
Perhaps, it becomes the driving factor for her character in the series. It’s just a theory but that’s what can happen when set photos give us just enough of a glimpse to theorize what Marvel Studios may have planned for the character.
Amid word that Paul Bettany is set to return as White Vision, who was last seen in WandaVision, in a Disney Plus streaming series currently being called Vision Quest comes an interesting rumor about another WandaVision spinoff. According to a sensationalist YouTube pundit, Agatha: Coven of Chaos, which is reportedly headed into production this November, may adapt the nine-issue Marvel Comics’ event series Young Avengers: The Children’s Crusade.
On the surface, The Children’s Crusade provides the perfect opportunity to continue the story of Wanda Maximoff in the MCU. Following her multi-year arc as a villain which concluded in House of M, Wanda Maximoff lived powerlessly and without her memories for years. It wasn’t until her son, Billy Maximoff, aka Wiccan, began to lose control of his own immense powers that a search began for her in earnest. While it’s hardly the same sequence of events, Wanda’s heel-turn as the Scarlet Witch over the course of WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and her apparent death in the final act of the latter provide the opportunity for a similar story to be told within the shared tapestry of the MCU.
The possibility of an aged-up Billy appearing as a lead character in Agatha: Coven of Chaos certainly advances the opportunity for the series to, at the very least, tell the story of the search for the Scarlet Witch. Despite the fact that the Scarlet Witch was last seen seemingly trapped inside the collapsing Mount Wundagore, Marvel Studios One-Above-All Kevin Feige has promised that there is “so much more to explore“ with Wanda, adding that they “still haven’t touched on many of her core storylines from the comics.” Given that Young Avengers: The Children’s Crusade falls within the recently revealed 10-year page-to-screen rule, it’s very likely that Agatha: Coven of Chaos could serve to adapt what is unarguably a core Wanda storyline to the MCU.
Interestingly enough, this rumor of a potential adaptation of Young Avengers: The Children’s Crusade (and a potential Scarlet Witch solo series follow-up) fall directly in line with word that Murphy’s Multiverse has shared before. Using Agatha: Coven of Chaos as the vehicle for The Children’s Crusade provides the perfect gateway for a solo The Scarlet Witch project to make its way into the MCU before the end of The Multiverse Saga. Of course, not every part of The Children’s Crusade is adaptable to the MCU, but the concept of Wanda suffering from amnesia in the aftermath of her actions and then found in the company of another incredibly powerful sorcerer has been put on a tee for Jac Schaeffer and the creatives behind Agatha: Coven of Chaos. The only question is whether or not Marvel Studios will take the swing.
It looks like it didn’t take too long to confirm the recent rumor of a Vision Quest titled spinoff of WandaVision. This marks the second continuation of that storyline besides Agatha: House of Harkness, which would later be renamed to Agatha: Coven of Chaos. Paul Bettany will, of course, lead the project and it’ll be another series on Disney+ with the writers’ room confirmed to open next week. Jac Schaeffer, the showrunner for WandaVision, is overseeing the project but it’s unclear if she’ll once again take on the role.
It also seems that Deadline got its hands on some first story hints, as they share that it’ll follow Vision on his path to regaining his memories and humanity. With the writer’s room only opening soon, there is likely only the base concept. There are also expectations that Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) may also appear, which would add weight to her surviving the events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. It seems that while Vision Quest is the likely title, it’s been given the codename “White Vision” due to the version that was introduced at the end of WandaVision.
We played around with the idea of a spinoff back in March of 2021, especially with how it is perfectly set up to further explore this new version of Vision. It’s unclear how this might tie into recent events but if a writer’s room is coming together, it may take Armor Wars‘ place and potentially lead into that project given Vision’s ties to Tony Stark. We’ll have to see once more information comes out from the project.
Surprisingly, we’ve gotten quite a few set photos of the production of Marvel Studios’ upcoming Disney+ series Ironheart. Continuing the story of Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams was expected to be a straightforward coming-of-age story focused on the world of technology. Yet, the more we hear about the project, it seems more and more like it’ll explore the conflicts between tech and magic. One of the reasons was the reveal that Anthony Ramos will take on the role of The Hood in the film.
We got a set photo of him in action before he was officially confirmed in the role by Marvel Studios, but it seems a new set photo has found its way online offering a new look at the actor. As shared by @ironhnews, we can see Ramos’ character chatting with someone while wearing his name-giving hood.
The set photo doesn’t reveal much, but it does hint that we’ll spend quite some time with The Hood. We don’t know if he’s a full-on antagonist in the project or may even be portrayed as an anti-hero. There is a lot we don’t know about the project and what direction they might be heading with the project, but it definitely is sounding like one to definitely keep a close eye on. Plus, there’s a good reason Thorne will debut her character in one of the biggest releases of the year with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
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